ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Astronomy Electrical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caltech

Electronics Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

... physics and astronomy, including detector operations, R&D toward detector improvements ... Perform cross-discipline work involving mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and physics.

SpaceX

RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$145K - $195K/yr

Modify electrical schematics and mechanical drawings for flight applications as they relate to ... Experience designing RF systems including radio astronomy, SIGINT, ELINT, radar, or wireless ...

SpaceX

Principal RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$210K - $300K/yr

Modify electrical schematics and mechanical drawings for flight applications as they relate to ... Experience designing RF systems including radio astronomy, SIGINT, ELINT, radar, or wireless ...

SpaceX

Sr. RF Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Modify electrical schematics and mechanical drawings for flight applications as they relate to ... Experience designing RF systems including radio astronomy, SIGINT, ELINT, radar, or wireless ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsManufacturing JobsElectronics JobsAstronomy Electrical Engineer Jobs

Astronomy Electrical Engineer information

See salary details

$50.5K

$111.1K

$168K

How much do astronomy electrical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for astronomy electrical engineer in the United States is $111,091.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an astronomy electrical engineer do?

An Astronomy Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and maintains electrical systems and equipment used in astronomical research and observation. This can include working on telescopes, detectors, data acquisition systems, and other instrumentation that help scientists observe and study celestial objects. They often collaborate with astronomers and other engineers to ensure that complex electronic systems function reliably in challenging environments, such as observatories or space missions. Their work is critical for enabling accurate data collection and advancing our understanding of the universe.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an astronomy electrical engineer?

To thrive as an Astronomy Electrical Engineer, you need a strong understanding of electrical engineering principles, signal processing, and instrumentation, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, circuit simulation tools, FPGA programming, and knowledge of standards such as IEEE are commonly required, along with experience in telescope or scientific instrument systems. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills are vital for collaborating on complex projects and troubleshooting issues in high-stakes environments. These abilities ensure the development and maintenance of reliable, precise instruments crucial for advancing astronomical research.

How does an astronomy electrical engineer typically collaborate with scientists and other engineering teams during telescope projects?

As an Astronomy Electrical Engineer, you will work closely with astronomers, optical engineers, and software specialists to design and implement electronic systems for telescopes and related instruments. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-disciplinary meetings to translate scientific requirements into hardware specifications, troubleshooting integration issues, and ensuring that electrical components meet stringent reliability and sensitivity standards. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as your work directly impacts the accuracy and efficiency of astronomical observations.

What is the difference between Astronomy Electrical Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectAstronomy Electrical EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in electrical engineering, specialized in astronomy instrumentationBachelor's or higher in electrical engineering, general industry focus
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, observatories, space agenciesManufacturing, power systems, electronics design
Industry UsageSpace research, astronomical observatories, space agenciesEnergy, electronics, manufacturing, telecommunications

While both roles require electrical engineering expertise, Astronomy Electrical Engineers focus on designing and maintaining electrical systems for astronomical instruments and space research, often working in research labs and observatories. In contrast, Electrical Engineers work across various industries, including power, electronics, and manufacturing, with broader applications. The key difference lies in the specialized application within astronomy and space research environments.

What are popular job titles related to Astronomy Electrical Engineer jobs?

For Astronomy Electrical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Astronomy Electrical Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,091 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

CDL - Central Devel Lab - CO-OP Student

Charlottesville, VA

aui
See more jobs at auiexternal

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position Description:

Position Summary

The Central Development Laboratory (CDL) at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) is the largest engineering team in the US dedicated to the development of radio astronomy technology. The CDL is a hub for technological and scientific collaboration, and has the mission to develop state-of-the-art technology for use in radio telescopes used by the international scientific community

The Central Development Laboratory (CDL) at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) seeks undergraduate and graduate electrical engineering and computer science co-op students and interns to work in our design and research teams to develop instrumentation technology for the next generation of radio telescope. Our technology is used on the ALMA millimeter/sub-millimeter wave telescope in Chile, the Jansky Very Large Array in New Mexico, and in observatories around the world to study exoplanet formation, black holes, stellar and galaxy formation and evolution, and to search for chemical precursors for life in the universe. The selected co-op student(s) will, depending on skills and interest, work with and learn from experts on our digital design team, our millimeter/sub-millimeter receivers team, our ALMA front end support team, our antennas and electromagnetics team, and our spectrum measurement team.. The CDL is the world leader in the application of many technologies used in radio astronomy. Learning objectives for our co-ops and interns are to:

  • Learn industry best practices for engineering design and testing,
  • Learn to work on a professional multi-disciplinary team,
  • Learn how engineering supports scientific exploration.

Individual assignments will depend on knowledge, experience, and interest, and could include:

  • Digital circuit design, implementation and testing.
  • FPGA programming (Verilog) and testing.
  • RF circuit design, implementation and testing.
  • Antenna/RF design and analysis, and testing.
  • Signal processing algorithm development.
  • Software development and testing.
  • Test and evaluation of millimeter-wave receivers, antennas, and electromagnetic structures.
  • Mechanical design

Work Environment

Assignment will take place in an indoor lab setting with some outdoor work possible testing equipment. Must be able to work at a computer with detailed and complex textual and numerical information. Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Who You Are:

  • You are enrolled in a four-year accredited university and are majoring in electrical engineering or computer science and can participate in an on-site co-op program.
  • You have completed at least one year of undergraduate studies, two years preferred.
  • You must be currently authorized to work in the United States.

Total Rewards:

Compensation

The starting hourly rate of this position is between $17 - $22. Factors which may affect starting pay within this range may include; education, experience, skills, competencies, other qualifications of the successful candidate, as well as internal equity and labor market conditions.

**Housing assistance or stipends are not available for this position. Travel reimbursements up to $900 are available for qualifying relocation expenses. For more information about the Charlottesville area, please visit https://www.visitcharlottesville.org/

Application Instructions:

Select the “Apply” button. Please be prepared to upload your current CV/Resume and a cover letter describing interest and suitability for the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

AUI is an equal opportunity employer. To view our complete statement, please visit https://public.nrao.edu/careers/. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may submit your request by sending an email to resumes@nrao.edu.

Apply